I always loved putting on shows - when you're the youngest of seven and five are older sisters, you've got to get noticed somehow! I did puppet shows and magic shows... even ventriloquism. My doll's name was 'Dan,' and I used to write these scripts, and my schoolmate hid under the table and supplied Dan's voice.

Australia is a phenomenally beautiful country, and every time I go away and come back, it never ceases to amaze me.

Well you just have to own it, I suppose. Own the character, which is difficult.

My life at the moment is a bit like my wardrobe. Organised chaos.

Listening and hearing are two different things, and acting is comprehending what the person is saying, thinking how it makes you feel and responding. That's the key to really honest, truthful, compelling performance.

I'll never forget anything about Middle Earth. That's part of my memory now so I won't miss anything.

In very general terms 'Top Of The Lake' is about good and evil. It's a deep dark mystery. It also deals with lots of fascinating human relationships, and it's also about the battle of the sexes.